So I’m reading the book “The Art of Saxophone playing” and come across a section that says how you should first play simple melodies with limited range, then move up to melodies with greater range.  Doing this will help with your embouchure and getting everything squared away.  According to the book, only after you have mastered this should you attempt to go into Long Tones, especially ranging the tone from soft to loud back down to soft.

I’m not sure what to make of this.  I’ve had and heard a number of people talking about playing long tones.  Maybe the book is talking about a different aspect of Long Tones, as it did mention Long Tone studies, and how they were an advanced form.  I’ll have to do more research on this topic before going forward with them.  I don’t want to make things harder on myself, as I already had to fix an issue with puffing my cheeks earlier.

I am noticing marked improvement, as is others with my playing.  I played a number of melodies I have done in the past and they sounded quite good.  The other thing I notice is when I practice, my first session of the day is horrible.  I don’t last long, usually only able to play the melody a few times before I can’t do it any longer.  However a few hours later, I am doing much better on my second practice session and can play multiple melodies with little issue.

In all, I’m quite happy with my progress so far.  I’ll record a number of other melodies to add to the blog this weekend, so stay tuned.  I have also figured out some scales, the key of C, F and G.  I’ll record them as well.

Anyone that has any comments about the use of melodies before long tones, and when long tones should begin for a student, feel free to comment.